New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-12-15
EpTITEEI MPIE

| Il
Tho benevolent Christian woman whose body
will he laid at rest to-day will be followed to
her crave by the thoughts Of thousands who
never saw her. and many Of whom. no doubt
have learned since her death, for the first time
all that she was in life and character. Ana
This. il must be said, they know moro from
inference than i'm any more direct way. Mrs.
Astor's genuine dislike Of the notorlcty that
almost inevitably attends prominence and dill
ccncc in charitable work. not only shut out
the public gaze during her lifetime but stlll
seals the lips OF her friends and associates.
The full extent Of her bcncvolcncc VIII PROB
ally never be known even 10 all Of them and
will hardly be guessed at by the public Enough
has become known however, TO awaken general
admiration. as much for the dclcacy and
modcsty with which her good work was DONE
rs for the rare generosity displayed III It, IL
WAS impossible. Of course, that she should not
be known AS a leader in charity. Where bcnc-
factions wcrc so many and 50 constant Inc
knowlcdcc OF them could not be hid entirely.
But We venture to say that many learn now
for thc first time that she gave away every
year. with the most pan>taklng precautions
against ANYTHING like oStcntaiion. a sum ON
which many less modest phlanthropSt has
bccn content to rest his reputation for HE
time
Giving is not everything. however, though 1t
is q good deal and those who think 1t Is very
easy for the Iich to give, need, perhaps to be
reminded that not all the rich seem to take that
view Of it. The hclpfulncSS OF direct Symp1'hy
and personal encouragement are often more
prcciouS 10 the unfortunate than mere giiiS.
Mrs. Astor was not Of the easy going daSN 81
charitable people who find philanthropy ycrN
icht work because their connection with 1t
stous when they have drawn check. Moth
inc ha, done moro to call out the remarkable
and gratifying tribute Of the press to the mem
ory 81 thi, lady, whose death brought her
something of the publicity She shank rom
duriuc life. than the know ledge Of the ia't
that il was her constant habit TO seek ont the
poor in their own homes. learn their wants by
personal observation. and give them tho pleas
ire and stimulus 81 her sympathy.
1t seldom happens that Tie lives Of WON n
who are not. IN any sense, before the punhc
arc considered legitimate subjects Of discus
sion. but We should lose part II the benefit ol
Mrs. Astor's example If the public were not
allowed to comprehend 1t fully. We hear
much nowadays Of the oppression OF the poor
by the rich. and no serious observer VIII vent
urc to deny that the social condition Of the
poorer classes needs amclioration IN many
respects; but it is just rs wei, once in while
10 hear the other side Of the story. to note me
vast machinery Of organized charity That IS
kept in motion largely by the very rich, and the
countless channels Of private bcncvoIcncc.
Consideration Of a career like this may even
soften the prcjuliccs Of the class who seem to
be learning to hate any man who is rich SIMPLY
because hc is rich. and may remind them That
between alb classes there Is the common bond
q humanity.